New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has vetoed legislation that would have set aside more money from the state's controversial proposed $225 million settlement with Exxon Mobil Corp. for environmental cleanup operations.

The legislation, passed by the Democrat-controlled state Legislature, was written to set aside more money from pollution-related settlements in general, but was introduced directly after the administration agreed to the settlement.

“The protection and preservation of the ecological wonders of which New Jersey is so proud have always been critical considerations when weighing where New Jersey's limited budget dollars should be delivered, but there are always challenging decisions that must be made when balancing a complex state budget,” Christie said in his veto message.